Step1
First, you should always have candles somewhere in the house. There is no excuse. You can find them at the thrift stores for nothing and there are always sales. Keep around fifty of them in assorted sizes around, just for emergencies. You could have a natural disaster. Maybe you were laid off and can't pay the bill for a couple of days. Whatever the circumstance is, you'll need some form of light. Candles set a warm tone to a dire situation. I keep candle holders everywhere, having survived a major earthquake. I have a special drawer that is fully stocked at all times. Use the candles to set the tone.
Step2
When you discover the power is off, immediately load any food items that need to be kept cold in a cooler. Keep the cooler outside if it is cold, so that you don't melt the ice as fast. Place all your meats, condiments, dairy products, and anything there that needs refrigeration. You can also pack some ice for drinks.
Step3
Use your barbecue to cook. During the earthquake in San Francisco, we helped families by heating baby food on our gas grill. A few families on our block placed them outside so neighbors could heat food for little ones. It was great! We got to know our neighbors and their children and sometimes we dined together. This can also apply to a family. Sit down to a nice candle lit dinner and enjoy one another's company. You may wish the power would never come on again.
Step4
If you have a fireplace, you are in luck. If you don't, you'll keep warm bundled with blankets. Snuggle up to someone you love. Don't have anyone? How about a pet? This is a time to enjoy the affection of your loved ones or spouse. Make it romantic. Pull the board games out. Talk about old camp fire stories. This can be fun. We've even had singing competitions that created humor.
Step5
Bathing can be challenging if you don't have a gas water heater. If the gas is out too, then heat some water on the BBQ, and pour it in the tub. You can boil huge kettles and have a warm bath. Maybe even share a bath with someone you love? Kids don't have to suffer, heat their bath and rags and make sure the bathroom has adequate candles so they don't feel fear. If you are alone, take a nice bubble bath.
Step6
Can't iron? No problem, if you keep a spray bottle to dampen your clothes slightly the night before. Spraying a light mist on wrinkled clothing and hanging may allow the wrinkles to fall out. If you can get by with casual clothes, or better yet, sweats, then do it. No sense stressing over appearances, if you don't have to. Another tip is to keep your clothes ironed and hung at all times, so they are ready if this happens. Especially if you have important meetings that require a stellar appearance. Being prepared is thinking ahead. Order is the key to all of this.
Step7
Maximize the daylight. What ever you need keen vision to see is best done during daylight hours if you can. Why not ask family members to share this daylight advantage if you can't. Have them organize, clean dishes, do the things that allow order in the night. The more order during the day, the easier nights become.
Step8
Activities can range from listening to offbeat radio shows. These are shows you may never explore if you didn't have time. Paints can fun to play with in the candlelight. Why not challenge the family to a paint off? Burn incense for aromatherapy, or hot oils. Make the expeirence as positive as you can. Recall any poems to share? Have a family story to tell the kids?
Step9
Take your family for walks together. This affords the opportunity to get out. Maybe stop off for a hot chocolate somewhere? Enjoy old fashioned gatherings with the family. When was the last time you all went window shopping together? Make this a quality time. Your children may ask you when you can shut the power off again.
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